Prostitution Myths

Prostitution has never been without stereotypes and myths. There are many reasons why young girls find themselves exploited by prostitution and pimps. It can be a personal tragedy, drug addiction, or the lure of money, lots of money.

Some people view prostitution as an expression of sexuality, or use prostitutes as an escape from unhappy and sexless relationships. Society seems to believe men have uncontrollable sexual urges that need to be fulfilled. This myth justifies prostitution. Young prostitutes are thrown into a world of degradation, violence and disease. Many turn to drugs as a way to mask feelings in order to perform the acts demanded. Participation often leaves them physically and mentally damaged.

Another myth is that prostitution may be considered a crime, but there are no victims. Prostitution and pornography allows crimes to be done on men, women and children, by turning abuse into a commercial enterprise. Customers use juveniles for their own sexual gratification, which in actuality, is child sexual abuse. Pimps assault prostitutes by forcing them to engage in sadomasochistic sex scenes, and exploits their demands on t hem as a condition of employment. Most sexual acts happen by the prostitute's compliance rather than consent. Money paid for this abuse, rape and battery does not negate the fact that it was allowed to happen.

Some suppose juveniles choose prostitution as a way to live. To the contrary, many victims of abuse lose their sense of psychological and well-being. Many juveniles, now engaged in prostitution, grew up in abusive or neglectful environments. Low self-esteem and limited resources can allow young girls to believe they can become rich, or their only way out is by prostituting.

Many believe prostitution is an exciting and glamorous lifestyle. Myths about prostitution are built on sexual fantasies promoted by movies, television, and books. Pornography is a major contributing factor prostitution disillusionment. Many young women are lured into prostitution by promises of glamor and riches. But, in reality, they suffer pain, humiliation, and degradation at the hands of pimps and customers. Many times these young women are left alone and penniless to face sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

People that prostitute themselves become wealthy. This is, again, another myth. Most, if not all, of the earnings from prostitution are taken by a pimp or madame. Lives are controlled, and incomes are guarded by the pimps. The strategy for control is maintained by pimps keeping their prostitutes dependent on them to survive.

Another myth is that prostitutes have power and control. Prostitutes are controlled by their customers by demands for money from their pimps. They are urged to charge more by getting involved with deviant sexual acts Customers have been known to rob, rape, beat, and kill prostitutes. Once a juvenile gets involved with a pimp, the more difficult it becomes to leave. Most women function under the believe that they are responsible for any consequences that happen to them. Pimps do little more than discipline prostitutes for perceived money shortages or demands to bring more money to them.

The myth that prostitution deters sexual crimes is another falsehood. About the only thing this belief accomplishes is to justify prostitution and pornography. There is no evidence that prostitution deters sexual crimes, when in fact the opposite may be true. Prostitutes can become victims of violent acts, rape, and murder. Pornography feeds sick and deranged fantasies, and may reinforce sexual violence.

Many times prostitutes are believed to be from one type of socioeconomic group. However, many other contributing factors are also involved, such as drugs, alcohol, and child abuse. No one culture, race, or gender makes up the world of prostitutes.

The myth that juveniles make educated decisions about becoming prostitutes is untrue. Many times, teens enter into the world of prostitution because they've been sexually abused, neglected, or abandoned. These children are homeless and without skills, and are easy pray for pimps who promise friendship, caring and riches. But, once they get involved with prostitution the pimps and customers duplicate the abuse these teens wanted to get away from.

Many think there are differences between a high-end prostitute and a street walker. Fantasies propose a high-end call girl is someone who is independent, sophisticated, educated, and lives in luxury. The fact is that drugs, alcohol, physical and mental abuse is the same. The degradation to ones body is no different whether the sex act is performed in a dark alley or in the Plaza Ritz, a trick is a trick. Battering and inhumane treatment is the same, no matter the price charged for the service.